You did not choose art; art chose you. If you feel that way, then you know that preparing for a career in the visual arts is probably the smartest thing you can do, because it will always be your passion.

Enrollment Services

Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a professionally oriented program designed to offer you a deeper experience in studio art, design and art history. These additional studio and art history credits eliminate the need for a minor, and help you better prepare for professional careers or graduate study in studio art. The BFA degree has additional admissions requirements and is intended for the most committed and focused art students.

Studying art at MSU is a meaningful and rewarding creative experience, during which you will build confidence with technique, concept, design and aesthetic judgment. The MSU Art Department is small enough to foster strong student mentoring and large enough to attract quality professors who are engaged in outstanding research.

Careers in visual arts

Studios, galleries and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity and style. Graduates from the MSU Art Department work professionally as photographers, graphic designers, web page designers, illustrators, educators, gallery or museum directors, and working visual artists.

Art Department Scholarship

The Harvey & Arlene Twyman scholarship is available to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and currently enrolled majors. Awards are based on the quality of applications and student portfolios. For more information or an application.

Courses Required

For a complete list of courses and descriptions, please go to course catalog.

All courses subject to change. Other coursework required.

Exceptional faculty Members of the art faculty are dedicated educators who have achieved personal success in the fine arts, graphic arts, and photography and work for the success of their students.

University Climate

Our college: Our university provides a fundamental liberal arts education, giving students the knowledge, skills and values to help them think critically and creatively.

Our learning environment: Small classes ensure art students receive personal attention from their instructors in our studios and classrooms.

Our art galleries: Student work is regularly displayed in galleries managed by Northwest Art Center, nationally known for its diverse exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art by local, regional, national and international artists.

Our community: University and community opportunities include the MSU Art Club and NOTSTOCK (MSU’s popular art festival), as well as downtown Minot galleries and museums.